The former NCAA champion recently hit his own player after a crucial error.
Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has slapped Marikina Shoemasters coach Elvis Tolentino with a one-game suspension and a P75,000 fine for hitting his own player, Felipe Chavez, in a game against Pasig MCW Sports last week.
The league ruled that Tolentino, a concurrent Marikina councilor, displayed actions that are “conduct unbecoming of a professional basketball coach.”
“We would like to reiterate our commitment to fostering a positive and safe environment that is free from violence and conducive to fair play, respect, and sportsmanship for all players, coaches, and staff members during every game and every event,” MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said in a statement.
The incident happened with 14.7 seconds left in that game. Marikina trailed Pasig, 71-66, when Chavez committed a turnover.
Tolentino was then seen yelling at the point guard during a timeout, before hitting the cager in the area of the chest and stomach. Pasig went on to get the victory.
Prior to the MPBL's decision, Coach Elvis received support from several retired PBA players, who said that it’s all just part of “tough love.”
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB), meanwhile, has also started an investigation into the incident.